Scoring Primer: Takedowns

[This is the first in a multi-part series covering each of the different ways to score points in competitive jiu-jitsu.]

Takedown   

noun    [teyk-doun] 

When an athlete forces his/her opponent to the ground after having been standing at some point during the movement

The first opportunity to score in any grappling match is with a takedown.  Understanding how takedowns are scored is vital for seizing the initiative before your opponent.  In this article, I'm going to take an in-depth look at exactly how a referee determines if a throw, a shot, or a trip qualifies for points.

Unfortunately, since competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu doesn't have a unified rule book, I'm only focusing on competitions that use IBJJF-based scoring.  Under these rules, takedowns are worth two points, which makes it part of a three-way-tie for the "least amount of points that can possibly be awarded" along with sweeps and the knee-on-belly position.

A takedown is considered an "Action" for scoring purposes, so the focus is on how you perform the move.  I've already briefly written about "Action" points and "Position" points in BJJ, but basically a takedown (along with all other "Actions") has three components:

Initial Position  =>  Transition  =>  Final Position

A referee is going to look at these three requirements and make sure each one is fulfilled before awarding points.  I've dedicated a section below to each of these criteria.

8 Things To Do Before You Compete

Preparing for a grappling tournament is stressful.  It's easy to get caught up in training and forget about all the little details that come along with competing.  This is especially true if you're new to the competition scene or competing in a promotion for the first time.

Based on my experience competing and as a referee, I've come up with a list of important things that people often overlook before stepping on the mat.  These tips are probably common sense to seasoned veterans of the grappling circuit, but newer competitors should find some benefits.  Remember that ignorance is not an excuse.

1. Read over the rules

I'm surprised by the number of people I encounter who train every day, cut ten pounds, and drop $100+ on an entry fee for a tournament, yet never bother to look at the rules.  Most tournaments have a rules meeting before the event starts, but that's not a great time to be exposed to the rules for the first time.

To make matters worse, BJJ doesn't have a unified rule set.  Most organizations use rules based on the IBJJF, but usually with some minor differences.  Keeping the differences straight among all the different events is headache.  To keep from getting confused, take the time to briefly read over the rules.

Below are links to the rules for some of the popular grappling organizations:

• IBJJF
• NAGA
• Grappler's Quest
• USGrappling

Scoring Breakdown: Kayron Gracie vs Ian McPherson

Ian McPherson has some of the best hair in BJJ

A fellow referee recently asked for my opinion in scoring a tricky match.  This match turned out to be full of hard-to-call situations.  I'm glad to be watching it on video, because I'm sure I would have messed up some of the calls without the benefit of rewind.

The difficulty in scoring this match comes from the way certain points are earned.  Sport BJJ has two distinct categories of points:

• Positions:  (Knee On Belly, Back Control, and Mount)  These points are given simply for holding a position correctly.  There is no requirement for how you get there, as long as you end up in the right spot.  When the position has been held for three seconds, points are awarded.
• Actions:  (Sweep, Takedown, Guard Pass)  Points are scored based on how a technique was performed.  The criteria include the starting position of each competitor, the final position, and the path between the beginning and the end.  An action only scores points if the entire sequence is correct and the final position is held for three seconds.

Actions are responsible for many more arguments than positions.  Scoring sequences happen fast and can be very subjective.  Additionally, concepts such as "continuous motion", which seem well-defined, leave too much room for interpretation.